Chinese Merry Tales (1909)/19

Chapter XIX.— Unlucky Words for a Student.  (及第.)

A BACHELOR of arts went to Peking to attend an examination. His servant shouldered his baggage, and followed behind. When they reached a lonely spot, a sudden gust of strong wind blew to the ground the hat lying on top of the baggage. The servant shouted out: "The hat has fallen to the ground." His master hearing these words, was not at all pleased, and regarded them as unlucky words. He immediately instructed his servant thus: "Hereafter do not say 'fallen to the ground'; always say Chi Dee (及第)." (Means obtaining one of the degrees.) The servant said: "Sir, I will obey your orders." He then took the hat and tied it very tightly on the baggage, and said to his master: "We will now go. Now if you should ascend to heaven, your hat will not again fall to the ground" (不能及第) (Literally translated means "you will not obtain the degree".)